Cooperating countries: Rwanda, Kenya and Austria

Coordinating institution: The Technical University of Kenya (TUK)

Project coordinator: Dr Evance Omondi Mbao

Partner institution: Kisii University, Chuka University, University of Rwanda, University of Innsbruck

Project duration: 01.06.2024 - 31.05.2026

Small-scale farming in the Sub-Saharan Africa floodplains is heavily impacted by frequent floods during rainy seasons and occasional droughts resulting in low production and low profit that makes farming in the plains unsustainable. Generally, agricultural production can be enhanced through diversification, integration, and intensification of fruit trees/agroforestry farming in smallholder systems where organic wastes from livestock becomes a significant input in fruit Climate-smart Agriculture. In these floodplains, the frequency of algal bloom formation in ponds and stagnant waters is constantly increasing due to the ongoing eutrophication of the available water resources. Specifically, toxic algal bloom formation is threatening agriculture in these flood plains. While it is generally accepted that climate change and human-induced eutrophication is linked to algal bloom formation, there is currently a scientific debate whether eutrophication also favours the occurrence of toxin-producing algae over non-toxic ones. This calls for a robust cooperation and partnership in order to transfer skills, knowledge, innovations and technologies in Climate-Smart Agriculture and water resource management practices to improve productivity and build climate-resilient communities especially the vulnerable (women, youth and children). This approach will contribute to SDGs on; zero hunger, no poverty and gender.

The proposed project partnership in Climate-Smart Agriculture for poverty reduction and food security in Rwanda and Kenya based on the SDGs is aiming to:

1. establish a cooperation regional network between the countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Austria  

2. establish exchange networks and knowledge improvement, skills and research experiences on climate-smart agriculture and water resources management approaches among partner institutions.

3. collaborate with small-scale farmers on skills and knowledge transfer in value chains for appropriate climate-smart agriculture systems and water resources management.